Hello, I’m Sandy Kaye. A freelance broadcaster, journalist and producer who has spent more than 35 years on both sides of radio and television microphones. I’ve worked with every TV network in Australia, have produced and presented for countless radio stations around the country and have hosted my own commercial radio talk-back show. I’ve even held the distinction of being Sydney’s first female newsreader on radio – way back when!
Today my passion is A Breath of Fresh Air which allows me to immerse myself in one of my favourite things – music. I just love all kinds of music and am fascinated by the people who make it. In particular, it’s the music of the '60s '70s and '80s that takes me back to my youth and means so much to me.
As a journalist, I’m all about digging deep into the classic hits of our time.
I bring you intimate, warm, fireside chats with the artists who tell us about their lives both then and now.
We learn about what makes them tick, who they are in their professional and private lives and how they went about making the soundtrack to our lives.
'A Breath of Fresh Air’ is exceptional - exceptional not because of me, but rather because of the stories that some of the best-known musical artists choose to share with me.
I created this podcast to honour them. It’s all about THEIR lives, THEIR stories, THEIR music, told now, in THEIR voices, before they’re lost forever.
I see my podcast as a personal labour of love, but also as an archival Legacy for music fans and practitioners alike, both current and future, who otherwise might never know of the amazing people who helped build the industry.
I really hope you enjoy each and every episode of A Breath of Fresh Air.
Recent Content
Back by popular demand, Irish Celtic infused pop icons, The Corrs are returning to Australia in February 2025 for three very special shows after a run of sold-out concerts in 2023.Joining them at Ro…
Back by popular dema…
Back by popular demand, Irish Celtic infused pop icons, The Corrs are returning to Australia in February 2025 for three very special shows after a run of sold-out concerts in 2023.Joining them at Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley will be special guests Gabriella Cilmi and Gypsy Lee plus one very very special guest for an exclusive performance, more on this a little further on...!!!After stunning the 13,000 strong crowd at the Hunter Valley's Hope Estate Winery for their One Night Only concert in 2022 and their follow up national tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2023 with sold out show…
Best remembered for their ubiquitous 1977 pop hit "Smoke from a Distant Fire," blue-eyed soul duo Sanford & Townsend paved the way for the yacht rock phenomena of today. Johnny Townsend's musical…
Best remembered for …
Best remembered for their ubiquitous 1977 pop hit "Smoke from a Distant Fire," blue-eyed soul duo Sanford & Townsend paved the way for the yacht rock phenomena of today. Johnny Townsend's musical journey is a remarkable tale of perseverance, talent, and timeless appeal. Renowned for his soulful vocals and songwriting expertise, Townsend etched his name in music history through his partnership with Ed Sanford in the Sanford-Townsend Band. Together, the pair crafted hits that became staples of the "soundtrack to our lives," resonating deeply with Baby Boomers, yacht rock aficionados, and c…
Johnny Townsend's musical journey is a remarkable tale of perseverance, talent, and timeless appeal. Renowned for his soulful vocals and songwriting expertise, Townsend etched his name in music histor…
Johnny Townsend's mu…
Johnny Townsend's musical journey is a remarkable tale of perseverance, talent, and timeless appeal. Renowned for his soulful vocals and songwriting expertise, Townsend etched his name in music history through his partnership with Ed Sanford in the Sanford-Townsend Band. Together, they crafted hits that became staples of the "soundtrack to our lives," resonating deeply with baby boomers, yacht rock aficionados, and classic hit enthusiasts.Hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Johnny Townsend was immersed in music from an early age. Influenced by the Southern rock and soul traditions of…
Ever wondered what Rick Wakeman is best known for? What David Bowie songs he played on? Or what he's up to today? Tune in now to find out answers to these questions and lots more .... Rick Wakeman is …
Ever wondered what R…
Ever wondered what Rick Wakeman is best known for? What David Bowie songs he played on? Or what he's up to today? Tune in now to find out answers to these questions and lots more .... Rick Wakeman is a pioneering English keyboardist, composer, and producer celebrated for his virtuosity and Innovation in progressive rock and beyond. Born in London, Rick showed prodigious talent from an early age, studying piano and honing his craft at the Royal College of Music. His career began as a sought-after session musician, working with icons like David Bowie—creating the unforgettable piano part for …
Get ready to explore the incredible journey of Rick Wakeman, the legendary British keyboardist, composer, and progressive rock pioneer, in this exclusive interview. Known as “The Master of the Keybo…
Get ready to explore…
Get ready to explore the incredible journey of Rick Wakeman, the legendary British keyboardist, composer, and progressive rock pioneer, in this exclusive interview. Known as “The Master of the Keyboards,” Rick Wakeman has left an indelible mark on music history with his virtuosic talent, innovative compositions, and charismatic personality. If you’re a fan of classic rock, Yes, or Rick’s solo masterpieces, this video is a must-watch.In this in-depth interview, Rick Wakeman opens up about his remarkable career, from his early days as a session musician working with icons like David Bo…
Discover who wrote most of the Rascals songs. Find out what ex lead singer and founder Felix Cavaliere is doing now and learn all about one of the greatest bands of the '60s. Felix Cavaliere is a cele…
Discover who wrote m…
Discover who wrote most of the Rascals songs. Find out what ex lead singer and founder Felix Cavaliere is doing now and learn all about one of the greatest bands of the '60s. Felix Cavaliere is a celebrated musician, songwriter, and vocalist, widely regarded as a pioneer of blue-eyed soul. Born in Pelham, New York, Cavaliere was introduced to music at an early age, taking classical piano lessons under his mother’s encouragement. While initially drawn to classical music, he soon discovered his passion for rhythm and blues, inspired by legends like Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye. Cavaliere purs…
A show that delves into the musical and personal lives of the greatest hitmakers of the '60s, '70s, and '80s, uncovering the stories and inspirations that shaped some of the most unforgettable tunes o…
A show that delves i…
A show that delves into the musical and personal lives of the greatest hitmakers of the '60s, '70s, and '80s, uncovering the stories and inspirations that shaped some of the most unforgettable tunes of our generation. Join host Sandy Kaye for this intimate multi award-winning, music interview podcast that celebrates the timeless songs we grew up with and the legendary artists behind them. Relive the soundtrack of your youth, uncover secrets, recall cherished memories, and immerse yourself in their lives, their stories and their music. This is an honest, fresh insight into some or rock's mos…
Anyone who knows The Go-Go's knows they got the beat. But in the recent television documentary about them, fans also learn the true story of how they got it, lost it, and found it again. The film sho…
Anyone who knows The…
Anyone who knows The Go-Go's knows they got the beat. But in the recent television documentary about them, fans also learn the true story of how they got it, lost it, and found it again. The film shows where The Go-Gos are today: making new music together for the first time in 20 something years. We catch up with drummer, Gina Schock and listen, mesmerized as she tells her incredible story. Gina Schock, born Regina Ann Schock in Baltimore, Maryland, is celebrated as the powerhouse drummer of The Go-Go's, one of the most influential all-female rock bands in history. Raised in a working-class…
Iva Davies was born and raised in regional Australia, where his early exposure to music set the stage for his remarkable career. Trained as a classical musician, he excelled as an oboist. However, the…
Iva Davies was born …
Iva Davies was born and raised in regional Australia, where his early exposure to music set the stage for his remarkable career. Trained as a classical musician, he excelled as an oboist. However, the allure of rock music and the emerging punk and new wave scenes in the 70s inspired him to shift gears. Influenced by artists like David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Brian Eno, Iva began exploring electronic and experimental sounds, which would later define Icehouse’s unique style. In 1977, Davies formed Flowers with bassist Keith Welsh, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in Australian mu…
Mike Brewer, who partnered with Tom Shipley in the folk-rock duo Brewer & Shipley beginning in the late ’60s - best known for their 1971 hit single, “One Toke Over the Line,” has died. The n…
Mike Brewer, who par…
Mike Brewer, who partnered with Tom Shipley in the folk-rock duo Brewer & Shipley beginning in the late ’60s - best known for their 1971 hit single, “One Toke Over the Line,” has died. The news of his passing at age 80 at his home in Missouri, was announced by Shipley. The latter had visited “my friend of 65 years and musical partner for over 60” three days earlier at a hospital in Branson. By the mid-’60s, Brewer had relocated to Los Angeles and formed a band with Tom Mastin, Billy Mundi (later of the Mothers of Invention) and Jim Fielder (who became an original member of Blo…
Liberty DeVitto has long been recognised as one of the most influential drummers in rock history, renowned for his explosive energy, innovative rhythms, and deep connection to the music. Born in Broo…
Liberty DeVitto has …
Liberty DeVitto has long been recognised as one of the most influential drummers in rock history, renowned for his explosive energy, innovative rhythms, and deep connection to the music. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was captivated by drumming at an early age, inspired by legends like Ringo Starr, Dino Danelli, and Keith Moon. Raised in a vibrant, music-loving family, DeVitto honed his craft by playing along to records and developing his signature style—a mix of finesse, power, and an uncanny ability to elevate a song's emotional impact. DeVitto's career reached new heights when he joined…
Liberty DeVitto has long been recognised as one of the most influential drummers in rock history, renowned for his explosive energy, innovative rhythms, and deep connection to the music. Born in Broo…
Liberty DeVitto has …
Liberty DeVitto has long been recognised as one of the most influential drummers in rock history, renowned for his explosive energy, innovative rhythms, and deep connection to the music. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was captivated by drumming at an early age, inspired by legends like Ringo Starr, Dino Danelli, and Keith Moon. Raised in a vibrant, music-loving family, DeVitto honed his craft by playing along to records and developing his signature style—a mix of finesse, power, and an uncanny ability to elevate a song's emotional impact. DeVitto's career reached new heights when he joined…
British-Irish singer, songwriter and musician Chris de Burgh is celebrating 50 years in the business with a 50LO tour across Australia next year.In May he’ll play all his classic hits including …
British-Irish singer…
British-Irish singer, songwriter and musician Chris de Burgh is celebrating 50 years in the business with a 50LO tour across Australia next year.In May he’ll play all his classic hits including ‘The Lady In Red’, ‘A Spaceman Came Travelling’, ‘Don’t Pay The Ferryman’, ‘So Beautiful’ and ‘Missing You' You can catch him in Melbourne Brisbane Gold Coast Sydney and Perth. A second Sydney show at the State Theatre – has just been added for Wed 7 May. Tickets on sale on Tuesday10 December.Chris has the most amazing of life stories to tell. He is the son of a foreign Di…
Founded in 2017 by Arranger/Producer Constantine Delo, The Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) started as a group of Adelaide musicians, recording re-arranged covers and uploading them to Facebook …
Founded in 2017 by A…
Founded in 2017 by Arranger/Producer Constantine Delo, The Hindley Street Country Club (The HSCC) started as a group of Adelaide musicians, recording re-arranged covers and uploading them to Facebook and YouTube weekly. Fast forward to today, The HSCC has amassed over 590 million YouTube views with over 1,000,000 subscribers globally and accumulated over a billion views accross social media platforms. Following on from major internet success, The HSCC now tours throughout the world to audiences far and wide. Still releasing videos weekly on YouTube every Friday at 8am (ACDT).What's the sec…
Wondering what ever happened to Don Walker and Cold Chisel? Or maybe what songs Don wrote for the band and what his solo stuff is like? Check this out ... Don Walker, hailed as one of Australia's fin…
Wondering what ever …
Wondering what ever happened to Don Walker and Cold Chisel? Or maybe what songs Don wrote for the band and what his solo stuff is like? Check this out ... Don Walker, hailed as one of Australia's finest songwriters, has built an enduring legacy through his work with Cold Chisel, his solo career, and his literary pursuits. Born in Ayr, Queensland, in 1951, Don spent his formative years on a sugarcane farm, an environment that shaped his deep appreciation for storytelling and the Australian landscape. Despite excelling academically and earning a physics degree from the University of Queenslan…
Wondering what ever happened to Don Walker and Cold Chisel? Or maybe what songs Don wrote for the band and what his solo stuff is like? Check this out ... Don Walker, hailed as one of Australi…
Wondering what ever …
Wondering what ever happened to Don Walker and Cold Chisel? Or maybe what songs Don wrote for the band and what his solo stuff is like? Check this out ... Don Walker, hailed as one of Australia's finest songwriters, has built an enduring legacy through his work with Cold Chisel, his solo career, and his literary pursuits. Born in Ayr, Queensland, in 1951, Don spent his formative years on a sugarcane farm, an environment that shaped his deep appreciation for storytelling and the Australian landscape. Despite excelling academically and earning a physics degree from the University of Qu…
Do you remember Cream? Of course you do.They were the first supergroup of the '60s.Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce made some amazing music in just under three years.Today, mus…
Do you remember Crea…
Do you remember Cream? Of course you do.They were the first supergroup of the '60s.Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce made some amazing music in just under three years.Today, musician Malcolm Bruce, the son of Jack has dedicated himself to preserving the musical legacy of his father who was one of rock’s most influential figures.Jack Bruce was a trailblazing bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known as a founding member of Cream, alongside guitar legend Eric Clapton and the fiercely innovative drummer Ginger Baker.Cream, formed in 1966. They were at the fo…